P.S. Since the range hood is included in that bank of cabinets you'll probably need to get a new one that is designed to be viewed from all sides if you take out the cabinets.
If you reface or replace the cabinets with two sided glass ones you may still need to get a new hood to make the back of it work with the new cabinet arrangement. This is one of the reasons I would recommend opening it up entirely and just having an attractive modern range hood (one of the styles used over kitchen islands and peninsulas) in that space.

Hi tomkobak, for a temporary solution, I would at least try to paint the back of the upper cabinets the same color as the wall so they don't stand out as much.

Thanks Feeny and Dytecture -- really great ideas! The painting is a really good short term solution hadn't thought of at all!

Feeny -- will take a look at how much space we have for storage. There is a small pantry so it may work to take out the cabinets and open up completely. I like that idea ALOT!!! To open up area. And then also finding a cool vent/hood that would look good from all angles.

Thank you both for suggestions!

That hood is most likely recirculating (see grille below soffit) and doesn't vent to the outside. When you take down the cabinets, you will probably want to take down the soffit above, which means drywall repair. Also, the clearance behind the stove really isn't adequate for a person (child) seated on a bar stool behind, for safety reasons.

Removing the upper cabinets is the best idea to open it up - you may even be able to turn one cabinet and hang it on the wall above the tv. But be prepared for a little work. And a new hood will need to be recirculating unless you run a vent to the outside through the existing soffit or through the ceiling, if that's an option.

Taking out the uppers will change everything in your kitchen. Congratulations with the new purchase!

Given the size of the kitchen from what I can see from the photos, and depending on how much work you want to do, you may want to consider adding an island as well if you take down the cabinets - this will add more storage space and you could move the cooktop here (I agree that if you take out the cabinets and use that space to allow guests to hang-out on stools, it may not me ideal to have your cooktop there. Another solution however would be to add an additional counter that is a more appropriate height for guest to sit at:

Hi wanderer27 and betsyweisberg - thanks for your thoughts and that you both agree taking out the cabinets would be best idea (although some work). Wanderer27 ... I also agree about your safety point (was wondering why they set up like that) so may not put stools there.. and also interesting about turning one of the cabinents at the end .. if that would work then would regain a little storage.

Thanks again!

Wow --- just as I was answering others I saw your comments Beyond The Stage Homes... and very cool additional thoughts!!! Never would have thought of that dual height option. Photo really helps show what you mean.

Amazing in a few minutes I went from not having any idea how to deal with situation to some really creative and cool ideas!

Thanks -- Tom

Happy to help! Let us know what you decide to do, and don't forget to come back to share your photos when the project is complete. Good luck!

Thanks - and once decide will take before and after photos.

Feel very comfortable knowing that taking out the cabinets makes most sense. Then a matter of thinking through the details of how to make it go from a negative layout to something really cool.

That dual height counter very interesting... but not sure how could do without replacing current countertop, etc. So we'll see. Closing at end of the month... so lining up ideas now as want to get some basic stuff done before moving in mid-August.

Really useful ideas ...thanks again- Tom

I LOVE all the great suggestions! Can I steal you guys to take a look at my design dilemma?? https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-help-with-awkward-kitchen-dsvw-vd~190103